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Sitka Start

A smart start and a good finish go together.

Sitka Start is a simple concept: Stay home in Sitka for one more year, while you go to college in local classes with fellow students you may already know. You will earn a valuable full year of college credit that can transfer to other colleges, save a lot of money, and develop good study habits. Most important, you will enjoy the nurturing environment of the Sitka Campus, where you will gain confidence and explore your interests with excellent professors who have time for you.

Before you launch to college, consider some practical issues:

Failure is not an option

As many as a third of freshmen are failing to "launch" at other schools. [Source: USNEWS Report on Colleges] Often, young people are coming home to Sitka with a pile of debt, and having lost confidence in themselves. Losing a year causes a ripple effect of negative consequences that might never be overcome.

Astronomical costs ... amazing savings

The costs of travel, housing, and tuition put the typical expense of the first year at most other schools between $15,000 and $35,000. That's between $10,000 and $30,000 MORE than a year at UAS Sitka will cost you.

Confidence is key

Malcolm Gladwell writes in his book, David and Goliath, that even the brightest students often get discouraged when they discover that they are no longer in the top of the class when they get to an exclusive college. Gladwell concludes that many students are better off at a small school where they can be personally encouraged -- and where they can make a bigger impact. He likens it to being a "big fish in a small pond." That's what the Sitka Campus specializes in:

Engaged faculty who not only care, but have time for each and every student.

Specialized tutors in math, English, and science who will help you free of charge.

Dedicated advisors who take the time to help you choose the courses and programs best for your career, and help you stay on course throughout your time with us.

The result is that Sitka Campus students gain confidence in their ability to handle rigorous academic topics. They can efficiently transfer the General Education Credits earned at UAS and build on their higher level of confidence.

Explore BEFORE you settle on a career

The year will go fast as you explore art, biology, math, history. Discover what you're good at, and what you're passionate about. It's not uncommon for that first year of exploration to get you heading in an entirely new direction.

There's no place like home

It's so cool to be able to study on the same days that you climb, fish, hunt, or hang out with friends. Instead of changing EVERYTHING in your life, Sitka Start allows you to focus all your energy on academics for that critical first year.

Sitka Start offers local classes in a supportive environment. You can study with your classmates and launch your college career with maximum confidence and minimum debt.